Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) is reputed for its high-quality specialized conference facilities and personalized customer service. A multi-functional complex comprising of 9 buildings, the BMICH is a complete events venue in Colombo, Sri Lanka and covers around 37 acres of landscape. This prestigious centre enjoys its status as South Asia's top exhibition complex and is one of Asia's most modern forum, with high-tech facilities, modern convention halls & rooms and a spacious delegation room of 16,000 sq ft. With a variety of advanced technical services and facilities for clients and guests, BMICH is Sri Lanka's most popular events venue and is the place to host musical dramas, beauty pageants, conferences, exhibitions, plenary sessions and trade events.

Location

The Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall and its surrounding gardens are situated on Bauddhaloka Mawatha which is one of the main roads in the residential part of the city of Colombo, Sri Lanka. It is within easy access from any point of the city of Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Accommodation

Hotels in Sri Lanka ranging from 5 stars to 3 stars offer a range of competitive rates. These hotels are located within the few kilometers from BMICH. All the room rates are in USD, inclusive of all taxes, and includes breakfast for 1–2 persons.

Visa

Participants are encouraged to make their own visa arrangements. Persons intending to visit Sri Lanka can apply for Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online through www.eta.gov.lk

On the basis of reciprocity, citizens of The Republic of Singapore, The Republic of Maldives and The Republic of Seychelles are exempt from the requirement of obtaining ETA to visit Sri Lanka.

The issuing authority of the ETA is the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Diplomatic and Official passport holders are exempt from ETA processing fee, only when their applications are submitted through the state agencies such as Ministries, Statutory Bodies, and Sri Lanka Overseas Missions etc.

The ETA is initially limited to 30 days validity from the date of arrival although it may be extended for up to six (06) months. Please carry a print-out of the ETA as immigration officials may ask to see it upon arrival.

Transportation

Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) is the main aviation hub in Sri Lanka. It is located approximately 35 kilometers from the capital city, Colombo.

Upon arrival at the BIA, the authorized airport taxi counters can be found at the Arrival Hall, Main Building after Customs, before the public arrival waiting area. If you want Abercrombie & Kent to arrange your arrival and departure transfers to any of the listed hotels , the following rates will be applicable:

Arrival/Departure Transfer Rates

Car – USD 40.00 per transfer (1 -2 Pax)

Micro Vans – USD 45.00 per transfer (3 – 6 Pax)

Mini Coach – USD 70.00 per transfer (7 – 12 Pax)

33 Seater Coach – USD 100.00 per transfer (13 – 20 Pax)

Large Coach – USD 120.00 per transfer (21 – 40 Pax)

Sri Lanka

A landmark destination in the ancient spice route, Sri Lanka or ‘Ceylon’ is a package of exciting surprises. This tropical island is famous for its diverse landscape which transforms from the blue coastal belt to green mountains literally within hours of each other. The island’s lush greenery varies from the coconut palm groves and paddy fields, to the green mountains and tea plantations, quite amazing considering the island is only 65,610 Sq.km in area. It is blessed with a rich culture and recorded civilization that spans as far back as 380 BC. Following the advent of Buddhism during the 3rd Century BC brought the rich aspect of ancient civilizations to Sri Lanka which in turn helped to form the great Kingdoms with their magnificent dagobas (relic chambers) - one taller than the third Pyramid of Giza and another the largest stupa in the whole Buddhist world - colossal monuments, pleasure gardens, art and architecture and the elaborate irrigation system still in use today.

Spices, blue sapphires and elephants have been synonymous with Sri Lanka for centuries as the unique location of this island in the Indian Ocean served as a hub for trading. The aromatic cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg and pepper were plenty and the natural sparkle of gems with their multitude of hues iconic to their colourful land. It lured traders and colonizers of the West which resulted in the Portuguese, the Dutch & the British governing the Island each over 150 years, beginning from the 16th Century. This resulted in the island being called the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean”. The ‘Pure Ceylon Tea’ gained prominence in the world and Royal Colombo Golf Club & Nuwara Eliya Golf Club became some of South Asia’s’ oldest 18 hole golf courses.

The country prides itself as one with the highest literacy rates in Asia. The people of Sri Lanka are of diverse races and faiths. The majority are Sinhalese who are mainly Buddhists, and who live in harmony along with the Tamils, Muslims, Burghers and other ethnic groups. Although well on the road to modernization, the country and its people still cherish their traditional values and take great pride in their rich culture, an aspect that continues to attract visitors.

Keeping Healthy in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has a tropical temperature and higher level of humidity. Any physical disability and health conditions you may have should be clearly indicated to your local travel consultants.

We recommend carrying a basic first aid kit whilst travelling. If you require a particular medication or prescription, take an adequate supply to last through your entire trip as it may not be available locally. It is highly recommended that prescription medication be carried in its original container and that any over the counter medication be kept in its original packaging.

Vaccines recommended for those travelling to Sri Lanka include tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis, diphtheria, polio and meningitis. If a guest is travelling from a destination inflicted by yellow fever, you are required to present proof of vaccination on arrival in the country. Dengue and malaria are also present in Sri Lanka - your best defence for avoiding mosquito borne-diseases is through the use of a good insect repellent and keeping well covered during dawn and dusk.

Tipping

Tipping is a very personal matter and should only be considered when someone have gone above and beyond for you. The majority of hotels and restaurants include a 10% service charge in the bill.

Talk the talk

In Sri Lanka the widely spoken languages are Sinhalese, Tamil and English. Here are some useful words and phrases to impress the locals:

Sinhalese

English

Ayubowan

Hello (first time greeting)

Bohohoma Sthuthie

Thank you very much

Mage Nama

My name is

Epa

No

Ow

Yes

Keeyada?

How much?

Thiyenawada

Do you have?

Yamu

Let’s go

Hari

Correct

Miris Aduwen

Less chilli

Ganan Wedie

Too expensive

Kamak nehe

That’s fine

Weather

Sri Lanka has a hot, humid and tropical climate. The Island is divided into a dry zone (north and east) and wet zone (south west and central), each with its own distinct weather patterns. Between May and September, monsoons bring rain to the south-west part of the Island, while the dry season occurs between December and March. In the north east coastal regions, the monsoon season occurs between October and January and the dry season runs between May and September. In the tea country, elevations affect the temperature and it is much cooler in this part of the central highlands. Overall in Sri Lanka, the best weather can be found from December to mid-April.

What to Pack

Cool, light weight clothing is the most comfortable attire for travelling in Sri Lanka. A wide brimmed hat & sun glasses and sunblock are highly recommended. Comfortable, soft soled walking shoes with low or no heels are ideal for sightseeing. Shawls, long skirts, long trousers and long sleeved shirts are recommended for temple visits. We also suggest carrying 2-3 pairs of socks since shoes are must be removed when entering religious buildings. Warmer clothing is necessary in the hill country where the temperature can go down as low as 10c. If you are planning to dine in city restaurants or restaurants with dress codes, a light weight jacket with some smart casual attire is recommended.

Temple Entry

All visitors to Buddhist and Hindu Temples are expected to be considerately dressed when visiting any place of worship. Shorts, bare shoulders, caps and hats will not be appreciated. You need not be stiff and overdressed, just comfortable and decently covered. Shoes have to be removed when entering temple premises and shoe keeping at a very nominal fee is a service granted at most of the temples.

Photography and Filming

Kindly remember that in Sri Lanka, Buddhism is a living religion and most ancient monuments are still venerated. Photography or filming should not be done in a manner causing any disrespect to the shrines, images or monuments. Posing for photographs and videos directly in front of the statues and paintings is prohibited.

Etiquette

Sri Lankans always welcome their guests with a wide smile as well as always trying to be helpful and courteous. When Sri Lankans receive a gift, they usually hesitate to open the same in front of the person who gave the same, as this is considered impolite. Similarly we do not think it is a must or disrespect that you do not open the gifts in front of us. There is a widely practiced sign language, the slight nodding of the head. It is a ‘yes’ head is slightly nodded vertically. And if is a ‘no’ head is slightly tilted horizontally. When Sri Lankans meet, it is customary that we ask as few personal questions about one’s family and health. They are not trying to be inquisitive but just trying to be friendly.

Sri Lanka Currency

Sri Lanka has a decimal currency system. One Sri Lankan Rupee is divided in to 100 cents. Currency notes are in the denominations of Rs.10/0,Rs.20/-,Rs.50/-,Rs.100/-,Rs.200/-,Rs.500/-,Rs.1000/-,Rs.2000/-,Rs.5000/-. The Sri Lankan rupee is a restricted currency and therefore money can only be exchanged once in the country. Only exchange currency at authorized outlets such as banks and hotels. Currency exchange rates can fluctuate daily and we suggest you check the latest rates prior to your departure.

Banking Hours

All banks are open from 0900 to 1300 Monday to Friday. Some selected private banks are open for a limited number of hours during Saturdays. Banks are closed on Sundays and on all public holidays.

Touts

Like any other country in the world Sri Lanka too would have their share of the touts. Be cautious and do not accept their offers to give better deals for your foreign currency exchanges or let them lead you to shops which give special bargains.

Items made of silver, brass, ceramics, wood, terracotta are amongst the best and most authentic souvenirs of Sri Lanka. Ritual masks, lacquer wear, batik and handloom textiles, lace and wood carvings are popular in the country. If you are looking for a specific item, as a courtesy your guide/chauffeur guide can refer you to shop that carries merchandise that you want. Such a referral should not be taken as an endorsement of the shop or assumption of responsibility for the merchandise or shipping arrangements you may purchase there.Though we do not promote any shop or establishment, we have identified few shops on the basis of merchandise quality and value for money.